Overview
- Washington and Canberra created a U.S.–Australia Critical Minerals Supply Security Response Group led by Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Resources Minister Madeleine King, with a follow‑up meeting set in 180 days.
- The agreement commits the partners to mobilize at least $1 billion for projects within six months, with leaders outlining initial $1 billion contributions from each country and an $8.5 billion pipeline that includes processing in Australia and one project involving Japan.
- The pact is framed as a counter to Beijing’s export controls slated to begin in November, aiming to diversify supply chains for materials vital to technology, defense and energy sectors.
- Defense ties featured prominently as Trump and Albanese discussed AUKUS and potential submarine sales, while the White House kept tariff threats on the table pending broader trade talks.
- Australia has established a national critical‑minerals reserve exceeding A$1.2 billion, and reporting from the talks referenced prospective U.S. Defense Department backing for a gallium refinery in Australia.